Gov. Kathy Hochul's address at the Democratic National Convention left many scratching their heads, as the vice president faced criticism for a series of missteps and a lackluster response from the audience.
Former New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was met with a mix of bewilderment and criticism, leaving many wondering if she had a rocky start in her bid for re-election.
Hochul kicked off her address by mistakenly referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as the "first President of the United States," prompting an awkward correction. The gaffe set an uneasy tone for her speech, which also featured a series of confusing and forgettable statements.
Hochul's DNC Speech Raises Eyebrows with Gaffes and Lackluster Reception
One particularly cringeworthy moment came when Hochul launched into a tirade against former President Donald Trump, calling him a "fraud, a philanderer, and a felon." The crowd seemed largely unmoved by the attack, with many appearing to check out a few minutes into her speech.
Hochul's attempt at a mic drop moment with the line "Trump takes us ever downward" fell flat, as the crowd remained silent. Pundits and commentators on social media were quick to criticize her performance, with many questioning whether she was intentionally delivering a poor speech.
Hochul's DNC Speech Raises Eyebrows with Gaffes and Lackluster Reception
Columnist Grace Curley sarcastically inquired if Hochul was simply having an off night, while Jake Novak replied, "Always." David Marcus added, "Kathy Hochul is the substitute teacher other substitute teachers make fun of."
Semafor Washington bureau chief Benjy Sarlin joked that the speech "ran way too long," while Substack writer Sam Deutsch quipped that "it was a riveting speech—you could literally hear a pin drop in the stadium."
The Trump War Room account accused Hochul of "weaponizing the legal system to convict President Trump of 34 bogus legal felonies in the most cringe and fake possible way." Others took to social media to blast Hochul's performance.
Later in the evening, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received a thunderous ovation from the audience, leading to speculation that she may be considering a run against Hochul for governor.
In a recent Siena College survey, Hochul's approval rating among New Yorkers stood at 44%, a record low, with 50% disapproving of her performance. Her favorability rating also remains underwater at 38%-49%.
Hochul ascended to the governorship in 2021 after then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned. She was elected to a full term in 2022, but by a narrow margin of less than seven points in a heavily blue state.
The lackluster reception to Hochul's DNC speech has raised concerns among some Democrats that she may face an uphill battle in her bid for re-election next year. It remains to be seen whether Hochul can recover from the gaffes and criticisms that have emerged from her DNC address.
